Automatic bowling game



Nov. 29, 1960 1.. A. DURANT 2,962,285

AUTOMATIC BOWLING GAME Filed Dec. 7, 1959 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. LYNDON A. DURANT FIG.3

Nov. 29, 1960 L. A. DURANT AUTOMATIC BOWLING GAME 8 eets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. '7, 19

HUM/f INVENTOR LYNDON A. DURANT I I PUI I I l- Nov. 29, 1960 Filed Dec. 7, 1959 INVENTOR LYNDON A. DURANT FIG.4

Nov. 29, 1960 L. A. DURANT 2,962,285

AUTOMATIC BOWLING GAME Filed Dec. 7, 1959 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 i /KHZ;

nnnnnnnnn III iiiiiiiiiii'fl Nov. 29, 1960 2,962,285

L. A. DURANT AUTOMATIC BOWLING GAME Filed Dec. 7, 1959 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 x6 x Y f as 42\ ea 38 T 401; r 15 77 6 9 FIG. 6

&

3 E 16 I6 g INVENTOR. LYNDON A. DURANT Y FiGf? Nov. 29, 1960 A. DURANT 2,962,235

AUTOMATIC BOWLING GAME Filed Dec. 7, 1959 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 IN V EN TOR.

LYNDON A. DURANT Nov. 29, 1960 L. A. DURANT 2,962,235

AUTOMATIC BOWLING GAME Filed Dec. 7, 1959 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 S ri. I

7 FIG.13

I INVENTOR. FIG. 10 FIG .1 l LYNDON A.DURANT NOV. 29, 1960 DURANT 2,962,285

' AUTOMATIC BOWLING GAME 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Dec. 7, 1959 V 1 17'- i i EJ-EIHII T1 Ding? 5 1. mmm L2 9? 93 94 FIG. 16

89 INVENTOR. N'T LYNDON A. DURA 7 FIG 15 9O Y BY AUTOMATIC BOWLING GAME Lyndon A. Durant, Chicago, 111., assignor to United Manufacturing Company, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Filed Dec. 7, 1959, Ser. No. 857,689

I 10 Claims. (Cl. 27344) This invention relates in general to mechanical games and more particularly to a bowling game including automatic pin setting and scoring means.

Simulated bowling games prior to this inventionwere of two general types, one of which was dependent upon a predetermined arbitrary placement of electric switches in the pin deck of the alley arranged for one or more to be directly struck and operated by the predetermined path of travel of the ball or puck. This operation of certain predetermined switches electrically displaced one or more corresponding simulated pins permanently hinged above the deck.

Reference is had to applicants US. Patent No. 2,572,456, and US. pending application Serial No. 845,269.

In the other general type of game, necessarily restricted to miniature construction, the pins are captive on cords including means for resetting. The ball for striking the pins is impelled by mechanically means manually aimed by the player. This latter deviation from standard bowling practice was necessary to protect the pins and cords from'entanglement and otherwise prevent-failure of the pin mechanism which would result if the ball was not restricted from being directly impelled by the player.

The playing technique and scoring results in the above type'games are widely divergent from the standard. game of bowling.

The present'inventionovercomes the above objections and disadvantages in the above and other prior games by the provision of an automatic bowling game adapted to be played substantially in accordance With the-procedures'establis'hed by standard American Tenpin playing'practices such as outlined in publications of The American Bowling Congress.

The particular embodiment of the bowling game hereinafter described is intended to be constructed in reduced scale from standard practice only in order. that it may be'used in a large variety of space limftedlocations. However, this reduction in scale is not-a.limitation in' construction andfplaying or in the results obtained.

A principal Objctbf'the invention is the provision -01 an automatic bowlingfgame in' which the ten pins approximating standard specifications are automaticallypositioned on the 'deck'of an alley substantially in accordance with'the standard game and in which the balls are bowled by the players in the customary standard manual manner. A The pins are intendedto be directly struck by the ball and caromed against each other also in accordance with standard practice.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a gravity propelled actuating means connected tothe head of each pin for automatically and individually raising each pin from the-deck when struck by the ball, or displaced by impactfrom another pin, includingmeans for automatically and precisely resetting all pins by :lowernited States Patent pin.

ice

ing and spottingsame in predetermined vertical paths at the completion of each frame of play.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a power driven elevatormeans for simultaneously resetting all pin actuators.

A further object of the invention is the provision of ten independent magnetically controlled electric switches secured to the underside of the pin deck, each one of which is. positioned in accordance with the predetermined pin spotting, including magnetic means for co-acting with amagn'etic body in the base of each pin whereby each switch will properly spot each pin when the-latter is reset and electricall o erate a scorin means when each pin is dislocated and simultaneously operate anelectromagnetic means for initiating the automatic raising of each A further object of the invention is the provision of a fatigue resistant chain and swivel means connecting each pin with its corresponding actuating means to permit unrestricted limited pendulus movement and rotation thereof without fatigue failure and including a convenient adjustable means for vertically positioning each pfn independent of each actuator with reference to the deck.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a sensitive electro-magnetic latch means for normally retaining each actuator means in re-set position including a circuit means connected with and responsive to corresponding electric magnetic switches for releasing each 30 gravity propelled actuator for the operation when a corfollowing specification and drawings in which:

Fig. l is a greatly reduced perspective view of the bowling game.

Fig.2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the game illustrated-in Fig. 1 showing the pins, pin dec'k, pinactuators and the scoring panel.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of the pin restoring means.

Fig.4 is a fragmentary rear elevation of the game showing'the elevator means for operating the restoring means.

Fig.5 is a fragmentary perspective rear view of the restoring means shown Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a. fragmentary side elevation of one of the 'pin actuators and pin restoring means shown Figs. 2 and 3.

Fig. "7 is a fragmentary enlarged view of the pin chain.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary enlarged side elevat on of the opposite side of the mechanism shown in Fig. 6 with parts removed.

'Fig. 9 is a fragmentary top plan view of the mechanism shown Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a front elevation view of the actuator mechanism shown Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary rear View of the resetting mechanismshown Fig. 9.

"Fig. 12 is a-top view of one of the pins shown Fig. 6.

I Fig. 13 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken through section line 13-13, Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken through section line 1414, Fig. 8.

Fig. 15 is an enlarged side elevation of the electric magnetic switch shown Fig. 6.

'Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram of the electric circuit for operating the pin actuator and scoring device shown Figs. 2 and 6.

Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the game which consistsin, general of a frame means retaining an alley assembly 1 with a ball return channel 2 at one side thereof, a main housing 3 containing the pin restore mechanism, a scoring device with an indicating panel 4 and an overhanging housing 5 containing the pin actuators.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, ten actuators 6 are secured on a board 7 in triangular formation as shown for individually controlling ten bowling pins 8 normally positioned on the pin deck portion of the alley board 9.

Fig. 3 shows a top view of the retrieve and restore mechanism 10 for operating each actuator 6 by means of cable connections 11. Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate the gravity means for individually raising each pin and a motor driven elevator means for simultaneously restoring each actuator, gravity means, and corresponding pin to its normal rest position on the deck and will hereinafter be described in detail.

Fig. 6 shows the relative positions of each actuator 6 and the associated gravity operated portion of mechanism 10 secured to board 7 and the relation of each pin 8 with respect to the deck 9. The dotted vertical pin 8 is positioned in its normal position on the deck directly above an electric magnetic switch assembly 12 secured on the under side of the deck. The displaced dotted pin illustrates one of the instantaneous positions assumed by the pin after being struck by the ball or adjacent pin and during the raising operation by actuator 6 under the influence of a corresponding weight 13 in mechanism 10.

Referring to Fig. 10, the main frame of each actuator 6 consists of two plates 14 and 15 secured in parallel spaced vertical relation by shoulder studs 16. The lower ends of plates 14 and 15 are angled for screw fastening to the board 7 as shown.

A beam assembly 17 shown Figs. 8 and 14 is adapted and constructed to raise and lower the outer end thereof in a vertical path when operated and consists of a channel 18 pivoted about a transverse bushing 19 retained by a stud 16 and is telescopically positioned in a main channel 20. A pair of pins 21-21 secured in the lower side of channel 18 are engaged in corresponding slots 22 in the lower side of channel for retaining the channels in lateral alignment. A pintle 23 is retained in holes in opposite side walls of channel 20 by lock rings 24 as shown in Fig. 14 and holds a floating bushing 25 which extends through elongated slots 26 in opposite sides of channel 18. Rollers 2727 are journalled for rotation on the outer ends of the pintle 23 for captive engagement btween opposite mating channel cam members 28-28 secured in facing relation on the inner sides of both plates 14 and 15 respectively.

Referring to Figs. 8, 10 and 14, the lower end of a connecting link 29 is pivoted on a pin 30 retained by suitable means in opposite sides of channel 18 and is laterally positioned by a bushing 31 best shown Fig. 14. The upper end of link 29 is pivotally connected to a latch plate 32 by a stud 33 secured in the latter. The latch plate is journalled for rotation about a stud 16 and is laterally positioned thereon by bushings 34 and 35, best shown Fig. 10.

Referring to Fig. 8, a portion of the outer periphery of the latch plate 32 is offset forming a radiused abutment 36 for engagement with a semi-cylindrical portion of a latch shaft 37 which is journalled for rotation in side plates 14 and 15 as shown Fig. 10. A projecting pin 38 is secured in plate 32, better shown Fig. 6, for operating a control switch assembly consisting of blades 39, 40 and 41 secured to a bracket integral with plate 15.

One end of the latch shaft 37 terminates in a crank 42 pivotally engaged in the lower end of a plunger 43 of an electric solenoid 44 also secured to the plate 15, shown Figs. 6 and 10. A stop pin 45 is positioned in plate 15 for limiting the downward motion of crank 42 when the latch shaft is restored to latching position by the gravitation of plunger 43.

' Referring to Figs. 8 and 10, a bushing 46 of resilient material, preferably rubber, surrounds a stud 16 as a bumper and a bumper plate 47 is secured in straddled relation on channel 20 for impact against bumper 46 when the beam is rapidly moved to its upper position, as shown in dotted lines.

The gravity means for raising the beam assembly 17 from its full line to its upper dotted line poistion is accomplished by a cable-pulley system associated with an individual one of corresponding gravity means shown in Figs. 5 and 8 which consists of a common base plate 48 and a common upper plate 49 retained in parallel relation by a plurality of parallel spaced pairs of vertical gibs 50.

A carriage member 51 is constructed to be journalled for vertical reciprocation on a pair of opposite gibs 58 on a pair of integral bearings 52-52 and a pair of spool shaped bushings 53--53, secured by integral projections 54-54, in the carriage member 51 better shown Fig. 11. A weight 13, preferably of lead, is centrally secured to member 51 by screw means 56-56. Thus it is apparent that the member is capable of guided vertical reciprocation from the position shown in full lines to the position shown in dotted lines, shown Fig. 8.

A V grooved pulley 57 is journalled for rotation on a centrally positioned axle 58 in member 51 as shown. Pins 59-59 are positioned in member 51 adjacent opposite edges of the pulley to prevent dislocation of a cable normally carried thereon. A second pulley 57 is journalled for rotation on an axle 61) secured between brackets 61 integral with plate 49. A pin 62 in brackets 61 is also provided to prevent dislocation of the cable from the pulley. A third pulley 57 is secured for rotation on an axle 63 transversely secured between the actuator plates 14 and 15. A stud 16 adjacent the edge of the pulley also prevent dislocation of the cable from this pulley.

A flexible steel cable 64 is secured at one end in connector 65 pivotally retained by a transverse pin 66 in the outer end of channel 20. The cable is positioned in the groove of the three pulleys 57, as shown, and terminates in stud 67 and is adjustably retained in bracket 68 spaced above and secured to plate 49 by spacers 69 as shown. A pair of adjusting nuts 70 permits linear adjustment of cable 64 for pre-positioning the beam 17 with respect to member 51.

It is apparent that the pulley-cable system provides a two to one ratio of movement and velocity between the cable connection 65 in the beam 17 and the carriage member 51. This ratio provides for a relatively large travel and desirable high velocity movement for raising the pins with desirable small travel of the members 51 within the vertical space required by the actuators 6.

Compression type helper springs 7171 are positioned around gibs 50 between each member 51 and plate 49 for the purpose of imparting a gravity assist force to each actuator for initiating the upward movement of each pin when the actuator is operated by overcoming the static inertia of weights 13, the operation of which will be hereinafter described.

In order to absorb and distribute shock forces from the energy in the weights 13 and associated components at their lower end of travel, a bumper means is provided which extends under. all weights 13 and consists of an elevator plate 72 with a bumper pad 73 secured to the upper surface thereof and normally resting on a second bumper pad 74 secured to plate 48. Although sponge rubber is used in this embodiment of the pads, a wide variety of other materials having high impact absorption properties may be used. It is now apparent that each actuator 6 and its restore mechanism 10 comprise an independent control means for each tenpin subject to selective operation.

Referring to Figs. 6, 8 and 9, a circular grommet 75, preferably made of rubber or other resilient material, is loosely retained by a mortise groove therein engaged with a circular tenon 76 in the board 7, as shown, and provides a quick replaceable shock absorbing opening through the board7 for. the passage of a chain assembly connecting each pin with each,corresponding-beam 17 It has been found that cables made from multi-strand high tensile material such as steel wire and/or synthetic fibres rapidly deteriorate and fracture when used to connect each pin to each actuator because of material. fatigue from the relatively high flexural forces imposed by the violent motion of the pins during play. This problem is substantially overcome by providing a relatively low mass high tensile chain, shown Fig. 7, for connecting each pin to its corresponding actuator wherein a plurality of like universal-joint type pin-connected links 81 absorb portions of impact forces transmitted thereto by friction rather than by fiexure while having sufficient universal flexibility to permit near normal travel of the pins when struck as illustrated in dotted lines, Fig. 6.

Referring to Figs. 6 and 8, a dual clevis 77 is pivoted at its upper end on pin 66 and its lower end pivoted to a swivel retainer 78 by pin 79 for movement at right angles to the pin 66. A swivel member 80 is retained for rotation by a head thereon in swivel coupling 78 as shown. The lower end of the swivel coupling ispivotally connected to the upper link of the chain, shown Fig. 7, by means of a transverse pin.

Referring to Fig. 7, the chain consisting of a plurality of tongue and groove links 81 is pivotally connected together by pins press fitted into the clevis portion of each link with a minimum clearance in the tongue portion. The tongue portion of the lowermost link of the chain is pivotally connected by a pin to a stem 82coaxially projecting from the bowling pin 8.

It has been found that a conventional chain madev up of welded like links with each link transversely twisted approximately 90 degrees may be substituted for. thetype chain shown Fig. 7.

Each bowling pin 8 is made of material highly resistant to impact with the weight and contour thereof proportioned according to standard bowling practice.

Referring to Fig. 6, each bowling pin has. a coaxial cylindrical recess in the bottom thereof in which a cylindrical permanent magnet 83 is firmly secured with the opposite ends thereof poled N and S.

Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, a cylindrical metal bushing 85 is coaxially secured in a bore in the upper end of the bowling pin by friction and lock pins 86;

The bushing 85 is provided with internal threads into which the stem 82 is adjustably threaded. A nylon ring 87 swaged into a recessed bore in the bushing 85 forms high frictional engagement with the threads on stem 87 to maintain the adjustment thereof, which adjustment is made by applying a wrench to the flattened upper portion of the stem while holding the bodv of the pin for the purpose of positioning each pin with respect to its ..corresponding beam 17 in relation to the surface. of the deck.

Referring to Fig. 15, an electric magnetic switch. shown in cross section, is secured to the under side of the deck under the proper spotted position of each pin. Each magnetic switch consists of a cylindrical magnet 88 positioned for vertical movement in a recess in the deck under the pin. The switch frame 89 consists of a metal bracket and bushing serving as a conducting guide-for the vertical movement of contact plunger 90 coaxially secured to a diamagnetic cup 91 retaining magnet 88. A

contact means 92 also secured on the under side of the deck is positioned in the path of movement of the plunger 90.

It is apparent that when the pin 8 is spotted in its proper position coaxial with the magnet 88, the magnet 83 therein will attract magnet 88 and hold the contact plunger in an open circuit relation with respect to contact means 92, and conversely when a pin 8 is displaced from its spotted position the action of gravity will permit magnet 88 and plunger 90 to descend into closed circuit position with contact means 92.

Referring-to Fig. 16, a conductor-93 is connected from one side of a source of electric power L to oneterminal of solenoid 44 and to terminal 11 of the scoring device 4. A conductor 94 is connected to the other side of" the source of electric power L to the contact means 92 in the magnetic switch.

A conductor 95 connects. plunger 90 through, frame 89- to the central blade 40 of the control switch shown Fig. 6. A conductor 96 connects the normally closed blade 39 of the. switch to the remaining terminal of solenoid 44.. A conductor 97 connects. the normally open blade 41 of the switch to a terminal 1 corresponding to a particular numbered pin in the scoring mechanism 4.

It is to be noted that each solenoid 44 and control switch in each actuator 6 and each corresponding magnetic switch is connected in the same manner as shown in the dotted outlinein Fig. 16v with a separate conductor equivalent to 97 connected to terminals numbered two to ten inclusive in the scoring device. and corresponding to the pins on the deck.

Any pin struck by a ball or adjacent'pin and dislocated from its spotted position will energize acorresponding solenoid 44 and rotate latch. shaft 37 and release its engagement from latch. plate 32 thus permitting the beam shown Fig. 8 to. raise its pinto its upper position, shown Fig. 6, by virtue of the action of the cable connected carriage 51 gravitating. from its upper position shown Fig. 8 to its lower position shown in Fig. 6-to a; rest position on bumper 73.

Fig. 5 shows the entire. gravity mechanism illustratingthe position of three carriages 51 after their. corresponding pins have been. struck, and raised. This view. also shows the upper portion of an elevator means-for raising anyor all carriages 51 and their weights and re-spotting corresponding raised pins.

The elevator plate 72 is, guidedbysholes therein-on; two pair of. vertical gibs 98 secured at their. opposite ends in plates 48 and 49, as shown.

A pair of channels 9.8.-98 obliquelysecured to plate- 49- serve as supports for four pulleys 99 journalledon shafts 100 also shown Figs. 3 and 4.

Referring to Fig. 4, a steel cable101 anchored at opposite ends of elevator plate 72 by fittings102-is engaged 112-112 and belt 113 as.shown. A- one revolution switch having blades 114--115 is positioned for operation by a camv 116. on shaft 108.

It is now apparent that when the elevator is'at its lowermost rest position as shownFig. 4' and'the motor 111- energized, the elevator plate 72 will be raised by cable 101 to the position shown in dotted lines and, in so doing, willraise any or all carriages 51 to their uppermost latched positions and then descend to its original lowermost rest position. The one revolution rotation ofcrank 107 is accomplishedby manually and momentarily energizing the motor 111 whereby the switch blades ,114.-115v by virtue of cam 11 6-will maintain the motor energized for one revolution of the shaft 108.

Referring to Fig. 16, oneterminal of the motor is connected to conductor 93 and a conductor 117 is connected from the remaining terminal of the motor to switch blade 115. Switch blade 114 is'connected to conductor 94. One terminal of a normally open momentary manual switch 118 is connected by conductor 117 to reset terminal 12 of the scoring device 4. The remaining terminal of the switch 118 is connected to conductor 94. Thus it is apparent that when the switch 118 isvmomentarily operated the .pin settingoperationwiH be initiated and 7 r t the scoring means related to each frame ofplay will be energizad for re-setting. i

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 4, an apron 119, preferably made from flexible material such as sheet rubber, is suspended from platform 7 and positioned above and around the pin spotting area of the deck for confining the pins within the deck area and for assisting in de-energizing the forces imparted to the pins when caromed.

An automatic ball elevator in housing 3, not shown, conducts the spent balls from a resilient backstop, not shown, to the ball return channel 2 where they are gravity propelled to the front and side of the alley for play.

In operationand when a pin is struck by a bowled ball the displacement of magnet 83 which underlies said pin will permit the magnet 88 in the magnetic switch corresponding to the pin to descend by gravity and close contacts 90 and 92 and complete a circuit through switch blades 3940 and energize solenoid 44 and rotate latch shaft 37 and release latch plate 32 which will permit the beam 17 under the influence of its weight 13 via cable 64 to rise to its upper position. The downward gravity forces in the weight will be absorbed by pads 73 and 74 and the residual upward inertia of the beam will be absorbed by the resilient bushing 46. This function will raise the struck pin to its retrieved upper position shown Fig. 6.

It is to be noted that a principal advantage of the beam assembly, in addition to acurately lowering the pin for spotting, resides in providing a fulcrum for the rearward pendulous movement of the pin and thus reduces the upward force required for desirable rapid retrievement of the pin which, in effect, momentarily reduces the gravitational effect thereon.

It is also to be noted that each pair of helper springs 71 exert a predetermined force in addition to gravity for breaking the magnetic attraction between the magnet 83 in the pin and the magnet 88 in the magnetic switch thus minimizing the impact force in a bowled ball required to displace the pin and more nearly approximate the natural action of the pin. hus by adjusting the attractive force of the magnets 83-88 to predetermined values each pin will respond to impact closely resembling standard bowling practice.

Simultaneously withcthe release of the latch plate 32, and referring to, Figs. 6 and l6,v latch pin 38 will open switch blades 39 and 40 and de-energize solenoid 44 and close blades 40 and 41 and energize the scoring device 4 through its terminal 1 and 11 which will numerical-1y record a number corresponding with the pin.

It is to be noted that the switch blades 39 and 40 are provided to de-energize and protect electro-magnet 44 after it has released plate 32. It is also to be noted that conductor 97 can be energized by direct connection to the magnetic switch frame 89, however, the connection to blade 41 minimizes service to the less accessible contacts 90 and 92.

The displacement of each pin by the ball or by the other pins during each frame of play will operate corresponding magnetic switches and actuators in precisely the same manner as above described and likewise record the score in the scoring device by virtue of the remaining nine circuits, not shown, connecting the pin terminals 2 to inclusive, which circuits are energized by common conductors 93 and 94, indicated in Fig. 16.

At the completion of each frame of play, the player will momentarily close switch 118 and energize motor 111 for one revolution of the crank 107, shown Fig. 4, which will return each actuator to its initial rest position as shown Fig. 8, and the pins will descend by gravity in straight lines toward their proper spotted positions, and as each pin descends into close proximity with the deck the magnetic attraction between magnets 83 and 88 will simultaneously open contacts 90 and 92 and attract and spot each pin which may have a tendency to oscillate on its chain as a result of ambient vibration in the main frame 1. The momentary closure of switch 118 will also momentarily close a circuit to scoring device through terminals 11 and 12 for resetting the score for the next frame of play.

' The term spotted position in the claims is intended to define the position of a pin whereby the pin is held stationary by the mutual attraction of the magnets 83 and 88. Such spotted position will be maintained until the pin is struck during play by a ball or another pin.

Althoughtheforegoing described construction is a preferred form of the invention, several alternate modifications in detailed constructions are contemplated for cost reduction and in games where less than optimum performance is acceptable, such as the elimination of the weights 13 and the substitution of high energy springs for the helper springs 71.

A further simplification contemplates the elimination of the beam assembly 17 by connecting the tenpin suspension chains directly to corresponding cables 11, which also requires each of the electro-magnetic latch means 44, 42, and 37 to be adapted for latching engagement directly with each carriage 51.

It is also to be noted that the aforesaid game also comprehends the use of different type targets instead of tenpins, either made of magnetic material or having magnetic bodies therein as well as the use of ditferent forms of missiles such as discs, pucks, and various kinds of balls.

Certain other modifications in the above construction utilizing the features described are intended to come within the scope of the appended claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A bowling game comprising means forming a main frame, an alley in said frame including a pin deck at one end portion thereof, a plurality of tenpins in normal position on said deck in a predetermined array, each of said tenpins including a magnetic body in the base thereof, a support means on said main frame overhanging said deck in parallel spaced relation thereto, a like plurality of tenpin actuators secured on said support means for independently controlling each of said tenpins, each said actuator comprising a fixed frame including beam means pivotally retained therein for vertical oscillatory movement between ap redetermined lower and a predetermined upper position and including a cam means in said fixed frame cooperatively engaged with said beam means for guiding the outer end thereof in a substantially vertical linear path when said beam means is oscillated, an independent chain means connecting said outer end of each said beam means to a corresponding upper end of each of said tenpins, a sub-frame secured to said support means adjacent said actuators, a like plurality of Weighted carriages individually corresponding to said actuators independently journalled for vertical reciprocation in said sub-frame for gravity movement from an upper to a lower position, cable-pulley transmission means connecting each of said carriages with each corresponding one of said beam means for operating the latter, a latch member in each of said actuators operatively connected to said beam means for movement therewith including an electro-magnetic lock means adapted and constructed to engage and hold said latch member and said beam means when each of the latter is in its said lower position and to release said latch member when energized to permit each said carriage member to gravitate to its said lower position and raise each of said corresponding beams to its upper position for independently retrieving each said tenpin, a like plurality of spring means biased between said sub-frame and each one of said carriages for independently urging each of the latter toward their said lower positions, a normally closed magnetic electric switch means secured to the underside of said deck positioned under each of said tenpins constructed to be held in open position by the attraction of the said magnetic body in each of said tenpins when the latter are positioned on said deck in said normal position, a source of electric energy, electric electro-magnetic lock and release a corresponding said beam means and permit a corresponding said carriage to descend and raise the said corresponding one of said tenpins to its retrieved position and whereby said elevator member will raise said carriage from its lower position to its upper position when energized and lower said retrieved tenpin to its original normal position and restore said switch to its open position thereby actuating said electro-magnetic lock means to engage said latch member.

2. In a game of the character described, a means forming a frame, a first beam member pivoted at the inner end thereof in said frame for oscillatory movement, a second beam member telescopicaly engaged with said first beam member for predetermined longitudinal movement therein when oscillated between predetermined upper and lower positions, a fixed cam means in said frame and a cam follower means secured to said second beam member engaged in said cam means for guiding the outer end of said second beam in a substantially vertical linear path when said second beam is moved to and from each of said positions, a tenpin, a chain means with one end thereof pivoted to the said outer end of said second beam and the other end thereof pivoted to the upper end of said tenpin for the pendulous gravity suspension of the latter in a retrieved position from said second beam member when the latter is in its said upper position, power driven means connected to said second beam member for lowering said member from said upper to said lower position, latching means cooperatively associated with said first beam member adapted and constructed to lock said second beam member against upward movement when the latter is lowered by said power means from said upper to said lower position for gravitating said tenpin in a substantially vertical linear path from said retrieved position to a play position when said power means is energized.

3. In a game of the character described, a means forming a main frame, a tenpin deck in said main frame. a tenpin in vertical play position on said deck, a support member secured to said main frame positioned above and in parallel spaced relation to said deck, a tenpin actuator secured on said support member and positioned above said tenpin and corresponding therewith, a tenpin control beam pivoted in said actuator for vertical movement from a predetermined lower to a predetermined upper position for raising said tenpin a predetermined distance above said deck when released, an elongated flexible member connecting said beam with the upper end of said tenpin by opposite ends thereof for the pendulous support of said tenpin, a sub-frame on said support member adjacent said actuator, a weighted carriage means journalled for vertical movement in said subframe for gravity descent through a predetermined distance from an upper to a lower position, a pulley-cable transmission means cooperatively connected to said beam and said carriage means adapted and constructed to permit the latter to normally urge said beam toward its upper position and for raising said beam and retrieving said tenpin said distance by the gravity descent of said carriage when said beam is released, electric latch means in said actuator cooperatively positioned for engaging and holding said beam when in its said lower position 10 against the restraining. gravitation of said carriage; said latch means adapted and constructed to releasesaid beam for its upward movement to retrieve said tenpin from said deck when energized.

4. The construction recited in claim 3 including an elevator member journalledfor vertical reciprocation in said sub-frame: and positioned under said carriage means for raisingthe latter from said lower to said upper position when reciprocatcd, a motor driven crank means in said main frame for reciprocating said elevator member when rotated, a pulley guided cable means connected to said crank means and said elevator member for reciprocating the latter and raising said carriage means from said lower to said upper position and permitting said tenpin to gravitate to said play position and for engaging said latch means with said beam for holding same in said lower posi-.

tion when said motor means is energized and said crank means is rotated.

5. In a game of the character described, a means forming a main frame, an alley means in said frame with a tenpin deck at one end thereof, a tenpin actuator secured in said frame above said deck, said actuator including a beam means retained therein for vertical movement from a lower latched position to a predetermined upper posltion, a tenpin corresponding with said actuator spotted in vertical position in a predetermined location on said deck, an elongated flexible member connecting said beam means with the upper end of said tenpin by opposite ends thereof for the pendulous support of said tenpin in said location with the bottom surface thereof in close proximity to the upper surface of said deck, a magnetic body secured in the bottom portion of said ten-pin, a magnetic electric switch means on the underside of said deck positioned under said location normally held in inoperative position by themagnetic attraction of said magnetic body when said tenpin is spotted over said location, an electromagnetic latch means in said actuator normally holding said beammeans in. said latched position when de-energiz ed, gravity means connected. to said beam means for urgingvisaid beam means toward, said uper position, a source of electric energy, an electric circuit means connected to said switch means and said latch means and to said source of electric energy whereby the displacement of said tenpin from said location will operate said switch means and energize said latch means and release said beam means to permit the latter under the influence of said gravity means to raise said tenpin to a retrieved position above said deck.

6. In a bowling game of the character described, a playing deck, a tenpin, means for maintaining said tenpin in spotted position relative to said deck including a magnetic means in the base of said tenpin and electric magnetic switch means positioned on the underside of said deck under the base of said tenpin for normally holding said tenpin in spotted position by the mutual magnetic attraction between said magnetic means and said electric magnetic switch means, control means positioned above said deck connected to said tenpin constructed and adapted to raise said tenpin from its spotted position to a predetermined position above said deck when operated, energy means cooperatively associated with said control means for the operation thereof when said control means is released, electromagnetic release means cooperatively associated with said control means adapted to hold normally said control means in inoperative position and to release said control means for operation when said release means is electrically energized, a source of electrical energy, a circuit means connected to said magnetic switch means said release means and said source of electrical energy whereby the displacement of said tenpin will operate said magnetic switch means, energize said electromagnetic release means and permit said control means to raise said tenpin to said predetermined position.

7. The construction recited in claim 6 in which said electric magnetic switch means includes a gravity-actuated contact and a stationary contact located below said gravity-actuated contact.

8. The construction recited in claim 6 in which said electric magnetic switch means includes a permanent magnet and a gravity-actuated switch having contacts, one of said contacts being connecte dto said permanent magnet.

9. The construction recited in claim 6 in which said control means for raising said tenpin from its supported position to a predetermined position above the deck includes chain means.

10. In a game of the character described, means forming a main frame, an alley means in said frame including a tenpin deck at one end thereof for conducting manually bowled balls, a plurality of independent tenpin actuators secured in said frame equispaced above the surface of said deck and in predetermined lateral spaced positions in relation to said deck, a like plurality of tenpins normally positioned in vertical alignment with said lateral spaced positions with the bases thereof in close proximity to the surface of said deck, a permanent magnet secured in the.

base portion of each of said tenpins, each of said actuators including a vertically movable suspension means connected to a corresponding one of said tenpins for raising same to a retrieved position above said deck and for lowering same to play position when operated, a latch means in each of said actuators associated with said suspension means for normally engaging and holding the latter in a lower rest position with the corresponding one of said tenpins in said normal position and for releasing said suspension means when operated, electromagnetic means cooperatively related to said latch means for releasing same when energized, a subframe in said main frame positioned adjacent said actuators, a like plurality of weighted carriages independently journalled in said subframe for vertical gravity descent from a normal upper position to a predetermined lower position, a carriage pulley journalled for rotation in a vertical plane on each of said carriages for normally suspending the latter against the action of gravity, guiding pulley means on said subframe an dsaid actuators, a' cable meanshaving one endthereof secured to said suspension means returned on said pulley means and said carriage pulley with the opposite end thereof connected to said subframe for normally holding said carriage in said upper position and urging said suspension means in an upward direction and for raising the latter and said corresponding one of said ten pins from said deck when said latch means is operated, a magnetic electric switch on the underside of said deck positioned under each of said tenpins, each said switch constructed to be held in inoperative position by the magnetic attraction of said permanent magnet when a corresponding one of said tenpins is in said play position, an electric scoring device selectively indicating the displacement of any one of said tenpins from their said play positions responsive to independent electric circuits corresponding to said tenpins when selectively energized, a source of electric energy, a first group of independent electric circuit meansconnecting said magnetic switches and said electromagnetic means to said source of electric energy, and a second group of independent electric circuit means connecting said magnetic switches and said scoring device to said source of electric energy whereby the displacement of any one of said tenpins by a ball bowled on said alley will operate a corresponding said magnetic switch and release a corresponding said latch means and permit a corresponding said carirage to raise the displaced, said one of said tenpins to said retrieved position and simultaneously and selectively energize said scoring device.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,144,975 Hunold Ian. 24, 1939 2,326,554 Nall Aug. 10, 1943 2,572,456 Durant et a1. Oct. 23, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS 571,565 France Feb. 4, 1924 

